The Light It Up Blue Campaign for World Autism Awareness Day is adding a splash of color to WSU’s crimson and gray campus today. The event sponsored by Autism Speaks aims to educate people about autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and corresponds with the beginning of National Autism Awareness Month in the U.S.

Earlier this week, the Counseling and Testing Services office hung up blue lights in preparation for the event.

“Students with autism may have problems understanding people’s emotions, personal space, or social cues,” said Michele Larrow, a licensed psychologist at Counseling and Testing Services. “As a student without autism, it is important to be aware that some students you’re in classes with may be on the autism spectrum, understand what that can entail, and to treat them just like any other colleague.”

As a parent of a child with autism, Larrow feels that the most important aspect of Autism Awareness Day is to make new parents aware of ASD, allowing them to figure out a diagnosis and begin early treatment for their child.

“From birth to adulthood, individuals with autism and their families can find support from their school systems and organizations like Boost Collaborative,” she said.

Boost Collaborative is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing social and community participation to children with any sort of developmental disability. It is the only organization in Whitman County that provides early intervention services for children with developmental delays in Whitman County.

Sue Kreikemeier, the director of the organization’s Children & Family Support Services program, has worked with families during the early development stages for more than 20 years.

“You’ll hear stories of parents who thought their child was deaf, but in reality it’s an early warning sign of autism,” Kreikemeier said. “I always say that it is important to follow gut feelings. If you think your child may have autism or any developmental disability, ask, ask and ask again.”

She noted that support for individuals with developmental disabilities starts in their family, but must also come from their community.

“Be aware of the wide gambit of disabilities, and remember we all belong in this community,” Kreikemeier said. “Everyone has strength and weaknesses, and we all have something to offer.”

Roughly one out of every 68 children is diagnosed with ASD, according to estimates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention last year.

More information on ASD and World Autism Awareness Day can be found on the Autism Speaks website.

Reporting by Jonathan Carrigan